Downers Grove North gets bragging rights against Glenbard West
Preparation for an ordinary high school football game typically begins on Saturday morning. Teams review the previous evening’s film, clean up mistakes and take a peek at their next opponent.
For Downers Grove North’s 24-14 victory over Glenbard West tonight, the process actually began back in July.
After eliminating the Hilltoppers from the Class 7A bracket last fall, the Trojans sat back and watched as their longtime West Suburban Silver rival swept in and poached offensive coordinator Josh Croci.
“I've known Josh since he was 16 years old, so to see him pursue something that he's excited about, you know, I'm happy for him, happy for his family. But it does add a little, you know, flavor to the game,” said Trojans coach Joe Horeni.
“Obviously, we've been through a lot together as a coaching staff and Josh, (and) obviously, Glenbard West and Downers North. So it added some fun to it,” Horeni said.
In 2023 Croci helped guide Downers North to their first series win over Glenbard West in 17 seasons. He then designed an offense that hung 40 on the team from Glen Ellyn in 2024.
He was also a leading mind behind the 19-7 Trojans playoff win over the Hilltoppers last November.
“I don't think there's any secret that I like to run the ball,” Horeni said. “We have two guys playing quarterback and they threw the ball really well tonight and we had success in a lot of situations, but there's still room for growth, obviously, in that area.”
After Kevin Jay started the game on the sidelines, Croci’s old Trojans offense called an audible, subbing him behind center.
Keyante Johnson and AJ Rayford had paired up on long touchdown runs to give the Hilltoppers a 14-3 lead in the second quarter.
Jay stepped in and threw a touchdown to Ray Johnson to make it 14-10 at the half, bringing life to the offense. He then stayed in the game through the entire second half.
“I'm a captain on a team -- and I'm the energy guy,” Jay said.
“I always bring up the energy, whether that's practice, games, even Saturday mornings at 7.30. I'm walking in a locker room screaming to the top of my lungs. I just bring, that's just what my character is. I bring the energy to the team.”
He later found Grant Georgas from 11 yards out to make it 17-14 entering the fourth.
Georgas broke loose late in the fourth to make it 24-14 on a sprint from midfield.
“We probably should get him the ball more in space in the passing game. But just in the run game? He sees the field really, really well. He's got great vision,” Horeni said.
Georgas and the Trojans look to remain unbeaten next week against Proviso West. They face York in Week 7.
Meanwhile, the Hilltoppers will have to hope for another West Suburban Silver postseason meeting if they plan on getting revenge this season.